Observing and Measuring Behavior

Observing and Measuring Behavior

The development of single-subject research depends on the accurate assessment of behavior. An accurate assessment of target behavior is in turn dependent on the observational technique employed to measure the behavior. The accuracy and reliability of these measurements is crucial in order to assure a research question that will lead to optimal intervention strategies. Observing and measuring behavior is essential for behavior analysts to be able to reliably record behavior over time to identify behaviors for intervention and track change in behavior as a result of their intervention.

For this Assignment, you will identify, observe, and systematically record a behavior from a naturalistic environment (i.e., school classroom).

To Prepare

• Review the Case Study: Observing and Measuring Behavior video in this week’s Learning Resources, which features a classroom of young children. This is the same media program that you observed in Week 1. Again, focus on the behaviors of the boy in the orange shirt (i.e., target child). (Note: It will be mandatory for you to review the media program for this week before completing this Assignment.)
• Observe the behavior that you operationally defined using the observational method you proposed in Week 1 modified, if necessary, based on Instructor feedback.
• During your observation, determine the best way to record the data from the behavior you observe.

Assignment (1–2 pages):

• Operationally define the behavior you observed. You should use the operational definition you submitted for the Week 1 assignment modified, if necessary, based on Instructor feedback.
• Based on the method you used to record your data, explain why this measurement technique is the most appropriate for the behavior observed.

Be sure to support your Assignment with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or the internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your Assignment. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.

Resources

• Kazdin, A. E. (2021). Single-case research designs: Methods for clinical and applied settings (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Chapter 3, “Background and Key Assessment Considerations” (pp. 63–94)
  • Chapter 4, “Methods of Assessment” (pp. 95–127)
• Bakeman, R., & Quera, V. (2012). Behavioral observationLinks to an external site.. In H. Cooper, P. M. Camic, D. L. Long, A. T. Panter, D. Rindskopf, & K. J. Sher, (Eds), APA handbook of research methods in psychology, Vol 1: Foundations, planning, measures, and psychometrics (pp. 207-225). Washington: American Psychological Association.
• Bouchrika, I. (August 5, 2020). How to write a research question: Types, steps, and examples Links to an external site.. Guide2Research. https://www.guide2research.com/research/how-to-wri...
• Hasa. (August 27, 2016). Difference between hypothesis and research question Links to an external site.. PEDDIA. https://pediaa.com/difference-between-hypothesis-a...
• Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (n.d.). Develop a research questionLinks to an external site.. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center...